Use of cannabidiol (CBD) is on the rise, as nearly 7% of Americans have reported they’re already using CBD products. Now analysts are “conservatively” projecting the cannabis compound’s market to hit US$16 billion by 2025. Beyond the consumers, the rising CBD market’s biggest benefactors are going to be the providers of CBD products, including CROP Infrastructure Corp. (OTC:CRXPF) (CSE:CROP), Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VFF) (TSX:VFF), Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE:GGB) (OTC:GGBXF), Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:CGC) (TSX:WEED), and Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY).

Companies involved in cultivating such as CROP Infrastructure Corp. (OTC:CRXPF) (CSE:CROP) are ramping up their operations, in the lead-up to full US federal legalization of CBD. Having recently received 2019 production and extraction licenses for its 2,115-acre Nevada hemp operation, CROP’s aim is to move towards becoming a world-class producer of CBD in time to provide for the market’s growing demand.

Through a survey of 2,500 adults, investment bank Cowen found that 6.9% of respondents use CBD as a supplement. These surprise findings regarding consumer awareness of CBD, Cowen expressed it “conservatively” sees CBD growing to 10% of US adults (roughly 25 million consumers) by 2025—leaving room for a US$16 billion market opportunity.

In response to the confusion, bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives are putting increasing pressure on the US Food and Drug Administration to release and implement new rules for the non-psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis. Upon Congress’ legalization of industrial hemp, lawmakers are getting annoyed that the FDA is taking so long to push through clarification—Which is causing confusion and costing American businesses money.

However, CBD products are popping up in stores and malls across the country, leaving the impression that it’s basically legal. What’s in the air is federal guidance for CBD products which already are being consumed by nearly 7% of the adult population.

Should that popularity and usage continue to grow, the supply of CBD will need to increase significantly. Which is what is underway, as companies jockey for position in the new market.

NEVADA AS A NEW HEMP HUB

After legalizing adult recreational cannabis in July of 2017, the state of Nevada has been one of the cannabis market’s biggest success stories. Given the judgement-free reputation regarding social norms in the state, especially on the Las Vegas strip, the rise of cannabis had to have been expected.

However, it’s the growing of plants off the strip, and in the state’s sunnier and more fruitful growing terrains that is gaining focus from investors, and companies alike.

Seeing an opening, and focusing attention on valuable cultivation real estate, CROP Infrastructure Corp. (OTC:CRXPF) (CSE:CROP) decided to initiate major operations in Nevada. Now through its subsidiary and tenant, CROP is erecting 50,000 square feet of greenhouses on its Nevada property. The facility will be run by CROP’s 49%-owned subsidiary Elite Ventures, and the main tenant, Hempire—which received the license as hemp handler on the property.

On the property, the company recently announced that Hempire, received 2019 hemp handler, hemp nursery and hemp grower licenses covering 1,350 irrigated acres on its 2,115 acres of owned or leased CBD focused lands. A hemp handler is defined as a person who is registered by the licensing department to receive industrial hemp for processing into commodities, products or agricultural hemp seed.

The licences put into motion the operation that anticipates a throughput capacity of one ton per day of raw biomass, done through its lab that will extract and produce CBD isolate on site.

“With the increased size and operating range of our tenant’s licenses, CROP’s Nevada CBD operations are emerging into a truly world class operation,” said Michael York, CEO of CROP. “Our land holdings, micropropagation team, strategies, drying and extraction capabilities and supply agreements will enable us to operate from seeds to isolate to sales in 2019.”

HEMP SUPPLY DEALS IN PLACE

CROP has already secured a 500,000-lb annual supply agreement over three years, totaling 1.5 million lbs, with a commercial extraction technology company. As part of the deal, the partners will also develop and provide extraction equipment on site for CROP’s Nevada facility.

As well, the company has already announced another Nevada CBD flower off take is to be delivered in shipments of 50,000 dry pounds on a bi-monthly basis to a processor that will in turn provide a finished product of ISO-certified CBD isolate.

“The synergies and relationship between CROP and our off-take partner continue to evolve,” said CROP CEO, Michael Yorke. “We look forward to continuing to develop this new partnership into new opportunities and other territories.”

CROP has plans for its own products derived from CBD isolates. Pure CBD is already being infused into beauty products, or food and beverage items. The company has announced plans to infuse its CannaDrink functional beverage with hemp-derived CBD, provided by its partners.

CROP is also developing lines of CBD capsule and tinctures. Under the company’s Hempire and Tiff CBD brands, Crop will sell hemp, CBD isolate, and related products and will be utilized for the Canna Drink beverage line.

“We believe in the nutritional spectrum and health benefits of both hemp and CBD so adding a consumer goods vertical is a logical progression as consumer data shows strong trends in plant-based foods and nutritional products,” said Michael Yorke. “We see it as a tremendous opportunity for CROP Infrastructure’s branding & IP portfolio.”

OTHER LEADERS IN THE CBD MOVEMENT

Village Farms International, Inc. (NASDAQ:VFF) (TSX:VFF)

Greenhouse operator Village Farms recently signed a deal with Nature Crisp to launch a joint venture focusing on outdoor cultivation of hemp and extraction of CBD, which aims to have a presence across several states. The new joint venture will be 65% owned by Village Farms and 35% owned by Nature Crisp. Village Farms is also looking into growing in Texas, where it owns and operates 5.7 million sq ft of greenhouse facilities. The goal is to potentially convert the company’s greenhouses in Texas to hemp production, which would make Village Farms the largest greenhouse hemp production facility in North America.

Green Growth Brands Inc. (CSE:GGB) (OTC:GGBXF)

In an attempt to further introduce CBD into a mass market, Green Growth Brands announced a deal with shoe retailer DSW Inc. Under the terms of the deal, DSW will sell Green Growth’s Seventh Sense line of Botanical Therapy topical CBD products in 96 locations within the US. The Seventh Sense brand will also be growing its footprint in malls across America, through a deal signed with Simon Property Group, that will rollout kiosks and stores in 95 shopping malls, and including 108 locations. The CBD-infused products will sell between US$19-$29 per item.

Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:CGC) (TSX:WEED)

Canopy Growth is at the forefront of pushing CBD into the mainstream. The latest major announcement from the company was the signing of an endorsement deal with lifestyle guru Martha Stewart. The deal has both Stewart and Canopy teaming up to design and produce new CBD lifestyle products, starting with a line for pets, and later with plans to introduce products for their human owners. Canopy has also struck a deal with the National Hockey League (NHL) Alumni Association to team up on research of concussions and cannabinoids.

Tilray, Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY)

Tilray recently made a US$314 acquisition of Manitoba Harvest, the largest hemp company in the world. Through the deal, Tilray gained access to the US CBD market, as well as traditional retail spaces, starting with a line of CBD-infused sprays, soft gel caps, and tinctures, all expected to launch later this year. Tilray also signed a US$100 million deal with Authentic Brands Group, whose portfolio includes Juicy Couture, Nine West and Jones New York, to develop and distribute cannabis products, including hemp-derived CBD items like foot creams and mints.

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3 Sixty Secure Corp (CSE:SAFE)(FSE: 62P2) is pleased to announce that the Company, which operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 3 Sixty Secure Corp., is providing secure transport and guarding services to Up Cannabis Inc. (“Up Cannabis”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newstrike Brands Ltd. (TSX-V:HIP) (“Newstrike”). The significant growth potential of Up Cannabis, with provincial distribution agreements in seven provinces and expansion underway to increase annual production capacity to over 40,000 kilograms, is well aligned with 3 Sixty’s strategic priorities which include significant organic growth by adding new customers and the expansion of security services offered to existing customers within the recently legalized cannabis industry.

“We have been extremely impressed with the cadence and quality of agreements that Up Cannabis has announced,” said Thomas Gerstenecker, CEO and Founder of 3 Sixty. “The company is building an iconic brand that resonates with Canadian consumers and it continues to build a national distribution network for Up Cannabis products. We are thrilled to have been selected by Up Cannabis to provide guarding services and secure transport for a company with clear growth ambitions, tremendous production capacity, and supply agreements in place that can support its strategic intentions.”

“Following a thorough assessment of security providers, we are satisfied that the world-class security services provided by Thomas and his expert team at 3 Sixty are the best choice to ensure the safety of our facilities and products,” said Jay Wilgar, CEO of both Newstrike and Up Cannabis. “We’re also pleased to know that we’re in good company, as 3 Sixty counts both the Ontario Cannabis Store and a number of other Licensed Producers as clients, apart from having recently acquired David Hyde & Associates, a recognized leader in cannabis security who helped us build our flagship facility in Niagara.

“As we continue building a best-in-class distribution network for Up Cannabis products from coast to coast, the need for safety and reliability is critical. Working with a company that has expertise in cannabis security ensures that our supply chain is protected, and that our employees and customers remain safe,” Wilgar added.

With agreements in place with seven provincial distributors, Up Cannabis operates within an elite group of Licensed Producers. Health Canada has issued licences to more than 100 entities under the Cannabis Act, and Up Cannabis is one of only seven with provincial agreements in at least seven provinces.

About 3 Sixty Risk Solutions Ltd.

3 Sixty Risk Solutions Ltd., operating through its wholly-owned subsidiary, 3 Sixty Secure Corp., is one of Canada’sleading security service providers to the cannabis sector, transporting approximately $250 million of product every month. 3 Sixty provides cannabis security consulting, guarding and secure transport security services to more than 500 customers and more than 60 licensed cannabis producers, including some of the world’s largest, such as licensed producers owned by Canopy Growth Corporation. 3 Sixty has a staff of over 275 employees and employs a fleet of over 60 vehicles, which management believes provides a combined security footprint to approximately 30 million square feet of patrolled area.

About Newstrike and Up Cannabis

Newstrike is the parent company of Up Cannabis Inc., a licensed producer of cannabis that is licensed to both cultivate and sell cannabis in all acceptable forms. Newstrike, through Up Cannabis and together with select strategic partners, including Canada’s iconic musicians The Tragically Hip, is developing a diverse network of high quality cannabis brands. For more information, visit http://www.up.ca or http://www.newstrike.ca.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the business and operations of 3 Sixty. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, 3 Sixty assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Last March, investors were still hungover from the first round of cannabis mania to hit the market, with industry leader Canopy Growth falling back from …

BRUCE LINTON

CEO Bruce Linton says Canopy Growth Corp (Canopy Growth Corp Stock Quote, Chart TSX:WEED) will have a drinkable form of cannabis ready for the fourth quarter of this year, in time for the legalization of edibles in Canada and part of an overall branding effort Linton hopes will make Canopy the Google of cannabis.

What a difference a year makes.

Last March, investors were still hungover from the first round of cannabis mania to hit the market, with industry leader Canopy Growth falling back from an early January, 2018, high of $44.00. At the time, those lofty heights seemed remarkable for an industry yet to be born.

But there was more to come: in the lead-up to October and the start of Canada’s adult-use market, Canopy again led the way, and then this January, as if to turn away any last doubters, the stock jumped 80 per cent, holding onto those gains through all of February.

It’s that tenacity that one finds in Linton, who sees Canopy dominating not just the rec and edibles markets in Canada, in the US and globally but also cannabis’ entry into the medical and wellness sectors, all part of the plan to make pot and Canopy synonymous.

Speaking to CNBC Thursday, Linton said, “When you look at it, good science leads to great products which turns into the reason people want them. I shouldn’t pick on Google but Google is a perfect example of great science that once it works really well, if you put a name like Google on it, it’s actually a great brand.”

“But it wasn’t [always] a great brand, it was a great platform. We’re trying to do the same with cannabis,” he says. “Which is to make it so specifically amazing for each of its purposes that when we put a brand on it and we say, ‘Would you like a Tweed and tonic?’ you’re going to say, ‘Absolutely,’ or ‘Would you like this for your parents to sleep in the aged care home?’ you’re going to say, ‘Absolutely,’ and that brand will ring for you.”

The edibles market in Canada is expected to open by October 17 of this year, according to Health Canada, which in December released proposed regulations for the sector including limits to the dosage of THC allowable in products.

Linton says Canopy’s partnership with alcohol giant Constellation Brands has been crucial in getting his company ready for edibles and drinkables, which together could constitute a significant portion of the mature pot market.

“The science of how to make the drink was something we have been working on and we think we’ve done a good job of it,” he says. “The [discussion with Constellation has been about] how should it taste, how bubbly should it be and who’s going to pay what for what format has been great. So when you put those two things together, you think about a great product in a really well-thought out brand, aiming at segments, and our goal is that that is a live product in Q4 if the regulations permit, which by all indications Canada is going to be doing that.”

Linton’s advice to the US and, ultimately, the rest of the world?

“Look north, see the petri dish and then wonder where does it impact globally. Q4 could be that window,” he says.

It was noted a decrease on Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:CGC)’s shares shorted with 3.27%. In March was issued CGC’s total 21.28M shares …

It was noted a decrease on Canopy Growth Corporation (NYSE:CGC)’s shares shorted with 3.27%. In March was issued CGC’s total 21.28M shares shorted by FINRA. Previously was reported down change of 3.27% from 22.00M shares. Former CGC’s position will need 2 days to recover. It has 11.09 million average volume. Float short on Canopy Growth Corporation is 43.03%.

The stock decreased 2.31% or $1.07 during the last trading session, reaching $45.07.Canopy Growth Corporation has volume of 3.45 million shares. Since March 7, 2018 CGC has risen 100.43% and is uptrending. CGC outperformed the S&P 500 by 96.06%.

Canopy Growth Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in growing, possession, and sale of medical cannabis in Canada.The company has $15.33 billion market cap. The Company’s products include dried flowers, oils and concentrates, softgel capsules, and hemps.Last it reported negative earnings. The firm offers its products under the Tweed, Black Label, Spectrum Cannabis, DNA Genetics, Leafs By Snoop, Bedrocan Canada, CraftGrow, and Foria brand names.